Clare College Cafe, Cambridge

Haysom Purbeck Stone supplied Purbeck Grub interior paving and cladding for Clare College’s new café beside the River Cam. Located on a narrow wedge of land between two brick garden walls, the project improved access, escape routes, and catering facilities. The café featured a simple material palette of oak, brick, and Purbeck Grub, and with ample daylight these combined to produce a warm, informal atmosphere. The building’s tapering form created smaller bays within the space, balancing everyday intimacy with the flexibility needed for college events and gatherings.

STONE TYPE: Purbeck Grub interior paving, stair and cladding

CLIENT: Clare College Cambridge

ARCHITECT/DESIGNER: Witherford Watson Mann Architects

CONTRACTOR: Barnes Construction and Stonebuild Contracts

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: Phillip Vile

DATE: 2023